Eastern Promises (Widescreen Edition) | Naomi Watts, Viggo Mortensen

Eastern Promises (Widescreen Edition) | Naomi Watts, Viggo Mortensen | Brilliantly acted but the plot is flawed

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Eastern Promises (...

	Eastern Promises (Widescreen Edition) Naomi Watts, Viggo Mortensen Universal Studios, 2007 average customer review:based on 165 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Viggo Mortensen and Academy Award® nominee Naomi Watts star in this electrifying thriller from critically acclaimed director David Cronenberg (A History of Violence). Criminal mastermind Nikolai (Mortensen) finds his ties to a notorious crime family shaken when he crosses paths with Anna (Watts) a midwife who has accidentally uncovered evidence against them. Their unusual relationship sets off an unstoppable chain of murder mystery and deception in the explosive film critics are calling "provocative and engrossing" (Claudia Puig USA Today).System Requirements:Running Time: 101 Mins.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: MYSTERY/SUSPENSE/CRIME Rating: R UPC: 025193330024 Manufacturer No: 62033300

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Filling a Void

What a difference it makes when your retinue sees your vision! Here is the second Cronenberg movie with Viggo Mortensen, and with this oeuvre, the auteur finally enters the ranks of film's great directors. Thanks mainly to Mortensen, Cronenberg's sometimes incoherent, often dissipated eye focuses its lens.

Cronenberg's genius has always been to lead the viewer down rabbit holes, but he often strands them there. Mortensen won't allow that to happen. He values his director to much to allow him to be fettered in gordian knots. Many of Cronenberg's previous movies have suffered from his lead actor's inability to realize this. Gabriel Byrne came very close in 2002's "Spider." If only Maria Bello could have been brought aboard too. Her interpretation of Cronemberg is just as strong as Mortensen, and together they made 2005's "History of Violence" one of Cronenberg's strongest films. Ms. Watts gave it a brave attempt, but utlimately came nowhere near as good as Bello would have been.

Perhaps too, there has been a void left in the Earth's culture since Bergman passed. "Eastern Promises" seemed almost an homage to the late auteur. Much of the camera work could almost be a direct imitation of many techniques invented by the Swede. While these touts were charming enough, I don't think they should be repeated in the future. Cronenberg has realized how to part the curtain, and show us reality flickering beneath the lights. I have enough faith in his craft to eagerly await his next release.

Certainly this film is the most accessible of all Cronenberg movies. It may even be his best. I would recommend that a first-time viewer of Cronenberg's work see this first, then invest in a retrospective.

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Brilliantly acted but the plot is flawed

I gave this film four stars ONLY,and I repeat, ONLY, because of the amazing quality of Viggo Mortensen's acting. He remains stony-faced throughout the film, and much is communicated with the most subtle of expressions. I was impressed even by his use of subtle body language. I have a new respect for him as an actor after watching this film, and hope to see more of his work in the future.
This film should be rated NC-17, not R, for the full frontal male nudity, graphic sex scene, and intense, gory and realistic violence. THe plot is flawed, andmany will find especially the ending to be unfulfilling.
Also, I have one important question: Why do the Russian gangsters in this film speak english (Russian-accented) with an American accent? its wierdly contrasted to Naomi Watt's English accent.
I must add that the fight scene in the bath house is one of the best I've ever seen on film, mostly because it seemed to lack that obvious choreographed feel. Once again Viggo's acting makes this scene stand out.

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Superbly acted meditation on honour and loyalty

Superbly acted saga on the Russian mafia in London. Has echoes of "The Godfather" and the machinations of the Russian nobility. Not really an action film, more a meditation on loyalty and honour. Told with maximum impact by director David Cronenberg, who continues his excellent partnership with Viggo Mortensen from "A History of Violence" (2005). Only a few inconsistent plot points and an abrupt ending detract from this film.

hard to follow

I had a hard time understanding Eastern Promises. If it wasn't the quiet mumbling that dominated the majority of the conversations, it was the shocking and disgusting segments involving gruesome deaths, blood, or other kinds of violence. The build up in the beginning was extremely slow and uninteresting. It's not a movie for everyone.

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